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Meet our Speakers for 2025
AIMEE BARNES | The Silent Epidemic of Modern Singlehood
Aimee Barnes is a life coach, facilitator, and trainee psychotherapist with a background in learning and development. She is the founder of Ganbaru, a wellness and education practice focused on self-development, mindfulness, and mental health. Through a blend of coaching, psychoeducation, somatic work, and grounded spirituality, she supports individuals in nurturing emotional wellbeing and self-trust, deepening self-awareness, and living with greater authenticity.
Aimee brings a unique, compassionate lens to modern challenges around identity, belonging, and purpose. Her work is especially informed by her own journey through societal expectations and her ongoing exploration of what it means to live a meaningful, aligned life. She is committed to creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces that foster emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Currently completing her clinical training in psychotherapy, she integrates trauma-informed, relational approaches into her work across one-to-one sessions, group programmes, workshops, and retreats. She is passionate about creating safe, transformative spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
Based in Ireland, Aimee continues to explore how coaching, therapy, and community can work together to support both personal healing and wider cultural transformation.
Aimee brings a unique, compassionate lens to modern challenges around identity, belonging, and purpose. Her work is especially informed by her own journey through societal expectations and her ongoing exploration of what it means to live a meaningful, aligned life. She is committed to creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces that foster emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Currently completing her clinical training in psychotherapy, she integrates trauma-informed, relational approaches into her work across one-to-one sessions, group programmes, workshops, and retreats. She is passionate about creating safe, transformative spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
Based in Ireland, Aimee continues to explore how coaching, therapy, and community can work together to support both personal healing and wider cultural transformation.
AKA DEE | Become the Hero you Admire
Aka is a cosplayer, composer, and academic from Ireland with a strong background in creative and performance-based work. Over the past five years, Aka has brought more than 100 characters to life both online and at in conventions across Europe as both a guest and performer. Their work explores the relationship between character, identity, and self-expression.
As a synth-pop musician, Aka is currently preparing to release a debut EP. Their creative practice blends visual performance and music to express ideas around anemoia and emotional retro aesthetics.
Aka holds a BSc in Multimedia, an MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and is currently working towards becoming a professor in the humanities and social sciences. In this TEDx talk, Aka will discuss the creative process behind cosplay as an art form and a tool for empowerment, exploring identity and strengthening confidence.
This talk invites audiences to think differently about creativity, self-expression and the everyday ways people can step into roles that help them to grow.
This is not for the bio but just as a side note. Please don't use “she” in bios as many characters portrayed in performance and art works are male. This can be considered disrespectful to the characters and the art, particularly within the context of Japanese cosplay culture and the community.
As a synth-pop musician, Aka is currently preparing to release a debut EP. Their creative practice blends visual performance and music to express ideas around anemoia and emotional retro aesthetics.
Aka holds a BSc in Multimedia, an MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and is currently working towards becoming a professor in the humanities and social sciences. In this TEDx talk, Aka will discuss the creative process behind cosplay as an art form and a tool for empowerment, exploring identity and strengthening confidence.
This talk invites audiences to think differently about creativity, self-expression and the everyday ways people can step into roles that help them to grow.
This is not for the bio but just as a side note. Please don't use “she” in bios as many characters portrayed in performance and art works are male. This can be considered disrespectful to the characters and the art, particularly within the context of Japanese cosplay culture and the community.
BETTINA GORDON-WAYNE | How to get Younger with Age?
Bettina Gordon-Wayne is a seasoned international journalist, Certified Mental Strength Trainer, and bestselling author who has interviewed world-renowned figures in business, finance, and culture.
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she became a first-time mother at 44 — and faced a cancer diagnosis just a few years later. Drawing on her journalistic skills, Bettina spent thousands of hours researching optimal health, longevity, and the science of lowering biological age through mindset, nutrition, and lifestyle transformation. She now lives by the science-backed principles she once investigated, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being, vitality, and future.
Bettina's bestselling book, The Joy of Later Motherhood, challenged traditional timelines around family and career, and she continues to challenge cultural narratives around strength, purpose, and aging. As the founder of Younger With Age Media and BettinaGordon.com, she integrates the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and longevity to help women implement practical, sustainable strategies for thriving at any age.
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she became a first-time mother at 44 — and faced a cancer diagnosis just a few years later. Drawing on her journalistic skills, Bettina spent thousands of hours researching optimal health, longevity, and the science of lowering biological age through mindset, nutrition, and lifestyle transformation. She now lives by the science-backed principles she once investigated, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being, vitality, and future.
Bettina's bestselling book, The Joy of Later Motherhood, challenged traditional timelines around family and career, and she continues to challenge cultural narratives around strength, purpose, and aging. As the founder of Younger With Age Media and BettinaGordon.com, she integrates the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and longevity to help women implement practical, sustainable strategies for thriving at any age.
DEIRDRE GREANEY | Clutter Clearing: The Key to a Lighter Life and Stronger Community
Deirdre Greaney is a holistic coach and wellness practitioner dedicated to guiding individuals to improve their wellbeing through natural health practices, personal development, and mind-body awareness. After beginning her career with degrees in Arts and Law and working in insurance, Deirdre transitioned into the wellness field, earning qualifications in bio-energy therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, and coaching with neuroscience.
Her work blends evidence-based strategies with holistic approaches, empowering people to make meaningful improvements in their health, mindset, and daily lives. Deirdre also leads workshops and wellness events focused on natural health, personal growth, and practical techniques for reducing overwhelm, clearing physical and mental clutter, and building supportive, lasting habits.
With a strong foundation in both scientific insight and holistic practice, Deirdre offers practical tools for lasting transformation and is committed to helping others create healthier, more purposeful lives.
Her work blends evidence-based strategies with holistic approaches, empowering people to make meaningful improvements in their health, mindset, and daily lives. Deirdre also leads workshops and wellness events focused on natural health, personal growth, and practical techniques for reducing overwhelm, clearing physical and mental clutter, and building supportive, lasting habits.
With a strong foundation in both scientific insight and holistic practice, Deirdre offers practical tools for lasting transformation and is committed to helping others create healthier, more purposeful lives.
DESTINY AYO VAUGHAN | The Scars That Shape Us: How Trauma Impacts Identity
Destiny Ayo Vaughan is a dedicated scholar and activist, recently graduating from the University of Aberdeen with an MSc in Psychological Studies and a Bachelor's honours degree in Social Science, both earned through scholarships. She also holds a Level Five qualification in Early Childhood Education. Currently, Destiny is pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Health Psychology at Queen's University, supported by another academic scholarship. Alongside her studies, she works as a public speaker with the London Speaking Bureau.
In 2019, Destiny founded Mind the Gap Ireland (MTGI), the country's first anonymous storytelling platform for survivors of sexual violence. MTGI has since become a vital support network, helping hundreds each year and giving voice to many previously unheard. Her social impact has earned her a place in the 2023 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Ideas Academy and the sheGenerates program for female founders.
Destiny was selected as a delegate for the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) and featured in Dr. Sam Collins' book Rebellious. She was named Activist of the Year at the Black and Irish Gala Awards and included in the Irish Independent's "50 Ones to Watch" list in 2023. She also received nominations for the Gossie Women of the Year and VIP Magazine's Power of Women Awards.
In 2019, Destiny founded Mind the Gap Ireland (MTGI), the country's first anonymous storytelling platform for survivors of sexual violence. MTGI has since become a vital support network, helping hundreds each year and giving voice to many previously unheard. Her social impact has earned her a place in the 2023 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Ideas Academy and the sheGenerates program for female founders.
Destiny was selected as a delegate for the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) and featured in Dr. Sam Collins' book Rebellious. She was named Activist of the Year at the Black and Irish Gala Awards and included in the Irish Independent's "50 Ones to Watch" list in 2023. She also received nominations for the Gossie Women of the Year and VIP Magazine's Power of Women Awards.
EILEEN HOPKINS | Unboxed - Breaking Free from Limiting Labels
Eileen spent over 30 years in nursing and nurse management, dedicating her career to caring for others.In 2016 the call of her lifelong passion—to empower others to reclaim their best lives—became too loud to ignore.
So, Eileen took a transformative leap, embarking on a journey to become an accredited Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist, lecturer, and professional Life, Career & Public Speaking Coach, as well as a Certified Trainer.
Public speaking has always been a passion of Eileen's, and she has pursued it with determination, sharing her experiences and insights on various stages. Her efforts have led her to achieve notable recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Despite facing challenges such as dyslexia and ADHD, Eileen has successfully navigated her path to these accomplishments, demonstrating that hurdles can be overcome with perseverance and support. Currently, close to the finish line of a MSc in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, she believes in the possibility of personal growth, despite life’s challenges.
Eileen's mission is to make a difference, one person at a time by connecting with others and offering support and encouragement as they work toward their own aspirations.
So, Eileen took a transformative leap, embarking on a journey to become an accredited Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist, lecturer, and professional Life, Career & Public Speaking Coach, as well as a Certified Trainer.
Public speaking has always been a passion of Eileen's, and she has pursued it with determination, sharing her experiences and insights on various stages. Her efforts have led her to achieve notable recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Despite facing challenges such as dyslexia and ADHD, Eileen has successfully navigated her path to these accomplishments, demonstrating that hurdles can be overcome with perseverance and support. Currently, close to the finish line of a MSc in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, she believes in the possibility of personal growth, despite life’s challenges.
Eileen's mission is to make a difference, one person at a time by connecting with others and offering support and encouragement as they work toward their own aspirations.
ELIANA FERNANDEZ | Journaling from a Child's Perspective
Eliana Fernández is a bilingual 11-year-old artist and creative entrepreneur. Eliana has spoken and performed on stages around the world about Your 12 Superpowers, including Mexico, the Bahamas, and to 700,000 people in India. She recently designed her own website: Your12Superpowers.com, and is the author of “Your 12 Superpowers: Discover Your True Self and Change Your Life.”
Eliana loves her mom, her sisters, and all animals. She loves to write songs and poems, read, draw, and play the piano. Her favorite place to be is in nature, especially in the Dominican Republic.
She has been a YouTube creator since the age of 3, and her content at “Eliana’s Planet” has been sponsored by many prestigious brands. She is homeschooled, and she loves to learn about business and marketing.
With the support of her family, she continues the "not-so-top-secret" mission to empower others every day to discover and activate their superpowers daily so they can transform their life and others’ lives to make the world a better place.
Eliana loves her mom, her sisters, and all animals. She loves to write songs and poems, read, draw, and play the piano. Her favorite place to be is in nature, especially in the Dominican Republic.
She has been a YouTube creator since the age of 3, and her content at “Eliana’s Planet” has been sponsored by many prestigious brands. She is homeschooled, and she loves to learn about business and marketing.
With the support of her family, she continues the "not-so-top-secret" mission to empower others every day to discover and activate their superpowers daily so they can transform their life and others’ lives to make the world a better place.
EMER SHOVLIN | Not Monsters but Masterpieces
Marine scientist and ocean advocate Emer Shovlin is taking the TEDxTralee stage to challenge one of the ocean’s biggest misconceptions — our fear of sharks.
In her talk, Not Monsters, But Masterpieces, Emer blends science, personal experience, and myth-busting storytelling to challenge the villain narrative shaped by Hollywood and media. Drawing on her own dive with bull and tiger sharks in Fiji, she reveals how her fear gave way to awe — and how these apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans.
Emer highlights the devastating ecological consequences of shark decline, from coral reef collapse to disrupted carbon stores and declining fisheries. “We’re not just losing sharks — we’re disrupting the systems that regulate climate, food, and biodiversity that we all depend on.”
With over 90% of large predatory fish wiped out since industrial fishing, Emer’s TEDx talk is a timely call to action grounded in both research and real-world experience. Her mission is clear: to replace fear with understanding, and to show that when we protect sharks, we protect ourselves.
In her talk, Not Monsters, But Masterpieces, Emer blends science, personal experience, and myth-busting storytelling to challenge the villain narrative shaped by Hollywood and media. Drawing on her own dive with bull and tiger sharks in Fiji, she reveals how her fear gave way to awe — and how these apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans.
Emer highlights the devastating ecological consequences of shark decline, from coral reef collapse to disrupted carbon stores and declining fisheries. “We’re not just losing sharks — we’re disrupting the systems that regulate climate, food, and biodiversity that we all depend on.”
With over 90% of large predatory fish wiped out since industrial fishing, Emer’s TEDx talk is a timely call to action grounded in both research and real-world experience. Her mission is clear: to replace fear with understanding, and to show that when we protect sharks, we protect ourselves.
FARZANA MAUDARBACCUS | The Power Within - Train your Brain to be Resilient
Farzana is a Work and Organisational Psychologist and Executive Coach who is passionate about the human factor in organisations. Specialising in leadership development, she has extensive experience across varied sectors, helping leaders cultivate emotional intelligence and strengthen self-awareness, thereby influencing workplaces to foster positive team dynamics.
Originally from Mauritius, Farzana pursued her studies in psychology in France and has been living in Ireland since 2011. Fluent in English and French, she works across diverse cultural and organisational contexts, delivering executive coaching and leadership initiatives that create lasting impact with a focus on nurturing people and relationships.
Farzana is recognised for her composed style and commitment to fostering human-centred leadership. Her work also extends to workplace wellbeing, where she has facilitated programmes to enhance employee wellbeing in dynamic environments.
She firmly believes that in an increasingly complex and volatile world, developing a resilient and adaptable mindset is critical to sustainable success, both at an individual level and for the workplace. Through her impactful interventions, Farzana empowers leaders and organisations not only to navigate challenges, but also to build strong workplace cultures.
Her professional mission is clear: to help people and organisations realise their full potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Originally from Mauritius, Farzana pursued her studies in psychology in France and has been living in Ireland since 2011. Fluent in English and French, she works across diverse cultural and organisational contexts, delivering executive coaching and leadership initiatives that create lasting impact with a focus on nurturing people and relationships.
Farzana is recognised for her composed style and commitment to fostering human-centred leadership. Her work also extends to workplace wellbeing, where she has facilitated programmes to enhance employee wellbeing in dynamic environments.
She firmly believes that in an increasingly complex and volatile world, developing a resilient and adaptable mindset is critical to sustainable success, both at an individual level and for the workplace. Through her impactful interventions, Farzana empowers leaders and organisations not only to navigate challenges, but also to build strong workplace cultures.
Her professional mission is clear: to help people and organisations realise their full potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
HELENA LYNE | Compassion as an Act of Radical Resistance
Helena Lyne - scientist, wellness facilitator, STEM educator and mother of 3 boys. Helena has a background in education and a passion for evidence-based wellness practices, she now works at the intersection of science, compassion, and wellbeing.
Her TEDx talk explores the evolving role of women in a fast-paced, fractured world—and how the qualities often dismissed as “soft” may be exactly what we need to restore balance. Drawing from her experience as a mother, her Irish roots, and her studies in wellbeing, Helena speaks honestly about rage, resilience, returning to love, and the quiet power of presence.
Her message is not just for women or mothers, but for anyone who believes that strength can also be soft, and that real change begins with compassion—for ourselves, for each other, and for the world.
When she’s not working or raising boys, Helena can be found singing, swimming and discovering new ways to experience the world with a heart that is always learning.
Her TEDx talk explores the evolving role of women in a fast-paced, fractured world—and how the qualities often dismissed as “soft” may be exactly what we need to restore balance. Drawing from her experience as a mother, her Irish roots, and her studies in wellbeing, Helena speaks honestly about rage, resilience, returning to love, and the quiet power of presence.
Her message is not just for women or mothers, but for anyone who believes that strength can also be soft, and that real change begins with compassion—for ourselves, for each other, and for the world.
When she’s not working or raising boys, Helena can be found singing, swimming and discovering new ways to experience the world with a heart that is always learning.
HILARY ROSE | The Rest Reset — Rethinking Resilience
Hilary Rose is an IFTA nominated actor, speaker, and podcast host with a passion for storytelling, wellness, and authentic connection. Best known for her role as Mairead in the hit comedy The Young Offenders, Hilary has worked across film, television, and theatre, earning acclaim for her emotionally rich and grounded performances.
Off-screen, Hilary is a sought-after speaker who brings her experience in performance and creativity to the corporate stage, delivering TED-style talks that explore topics such as rest, resilience, leadership under pressure, the power of language and creativity.
She is also the creator and host of the Live Wild podcast, where she interviews artists, changemakers, and thought leaders about living with purpose and courage in a chaotic world. Hilary's unique blend of artistic insight, lived experience, and heartfelt curiosity allows her to inspire audiences to rethink the way they approach work, wellness, and creativity.
A former university lecturer in acting and an advocate for well-being in the arts, Hilary uses her voice to spark important conversations both on and off the stage. Her TEDx Talk, The Rest Reset — Rethinking Resilience, challenges society's obsession with over-productivity and invites us to reclaim rest as a radical act of self-leadership.
Off-screen, Hilary is a sought-after speaker who brings her experience in performance and creativity to the corporate stage, delivering TED-style talks that explore topics such as rest, resilience, leadership under pressure, the power of language and creativity.
She is also the creator and host of the Live Wild podcast, where she interviews artists, changemakers, and thought leaders about living with purpose and courage in a chaotic world. Hilary's unique blend of artistic insight, lived experience, and heartfelt curiosity allows her to inspire audiences to rethink the way they approach work, wellness, and creativity.
A former university lecturer in acting and an advocate for well-being in the arts, Hilary uses her voice to spark important conversations both on and off the stage. Her TEDx Talk, The Rest Reset — Rethinking Resilience, challenges society's obsession with over-productivity and invites us to reclaim rest as a radical act of self-leadership.
KATHY HOUSTON | What Lies Are You Telling Yourself?
Kathy Is the Run Your Life Coach. Her motto: Don't Let Life Run You. She identifies as Lesbian and she/her. She specializes in increasing your mental fitness to improve health and wellness, and relationships for mature women of power in and out of the LGBTQ+ community.
She knows first hand how hard it can be to live fully as yourself. When she began to embrace herself and accept herself for who she really was, a weight was lifted and joy filled her life.
She ended a marriage of 35 years, downsized a home, and moved in with her amazing wife.
Kathy was a retail store manager for 30 years and left to follow her heart and create a business that she felt excited and passionate about. She is a certified Positive Intelligence Coach for the PQ program by Shirzad Chamine.The program uses neuro based science to change the brain and positive changes that stick.
Kathy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army.
She knows first hand how hard it can be to live fully as yourself. When she began to embrace herself and accept herself for who she really was, a weight was lifted and joy filled her life.
She ended a marriage of 35 years, downsized a home, and moved in with her amazing wife.
Kathy was a retail store manager for 30 years and left to follow her heart and create a business that she felt excited and passionate about. She is a certified Positive Intelligence Coach for the PQ program by Shirzad Chamine.The program uses neuro based science to change the brain and positive changes that stick.
Kathy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army.
Call #1 Jan. - Feb. had a submission of 55 Video Talks
Call #2 Feb. - March had a submission of 72 Video Talks
Call #3 March had a submission of 31 Video Talks
Unfortunately our next Call will be for our 2026/2027 TEDx
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